Review Alley Cantina - Dunedin

They are FANTASTIC. The service is 11/10 and the food is wonderful with great lively atmosphere. Chef took unnecessary and infinitely kind care to make our starters without butter as he noticed we had a vegan at our table. So kind and so warm. 100% recommend! Plus they have amazing margaritas :)) Also so so affordable it’s ridiculous. Vast vegan menu :)

The food is very tasty and generous sizes. I LOVE THE CHURROS! They're nice and soft crust just like a doughnut, the way I like em. The place has Really cool decor. And yes I will be back for more CHURROS 😍😋

Unfortunately they were run out of Churro on that night. Otherwise, I will give them 5 stars. Nice place for hangout with friends.

One of the best food and place we visited in Dunedin. Great selection of food, ambience. Must visit for truly authentic Mexican food and drinks. Good for group function and parties too. Try platter.

The service was really great and our meals came out so quickly. The cheesy jalapeño bites are so good and the chimichangas are huge! Also definitely recommend the melon margarita and of course, churros!

Best!! Had to go back, last time we were in Dunedin we made our minds up that it was a compulsory dinner stop for next time. In fact, we made Dunedin a night stop over on our trip, just to go there for dinner. Fantastic staff, amazing food!

Amazing restaurant. Lovely images and messages on the wall. Easy to walk pass and miss a gem of a meal! Highly recommend

Gonna say it , our group enjoyed our food after looking at the review we were a bit nervous about dining here . But the food was fantastic our server and bar staff were really amazing, So Thanks team

Just stubbled across it gave it a go , couldn't fault really good price good food lovely service.

The food here was very tasty. The chimichunga is the best tasting dish. It mixes the crunchiness of the bread to the filling properly. The decor is very nice. It is a bit out of the way since its in an alleyway.

Great ambience, great music, variety of options to choose from. The margarita list looked delicious. The salsa chips were super crunchy. Main meal was platter for 2 the portion sizes were very generous. I think it could have fed at least 4 people. Great food!!

the food was nice, although fairly expensive in my opinion. fun atmosphere and beautifully decorated!<br/><br/>

"Alley Cantina" a restaurant located at 140 George street Dunedin city Newzeland.<br/>I went to this place at monday evening and i got surprised. The restaurant was almost full, luckily i got table.<br/>Which show it is very popular among locals.<br/>Interior of this place was very amusing which gave the vibes of an authentic Mexican experience.<br/>Dim lights, bright graffiti on the walls and candles on table add charm to this place. Its a perfect place to enjoy evening with loved ones.<br/>Now best part yet to come...<br/>They claim to serve the most authentic Mexican food in New Zealand.<br/>Well certainly they do...<br/>I just loved their food it was so lipsmacking and so authentic that it brought back nostalgia of my days in mexico couple of years back...<br/>I have ordered Alley platter which includes Elote, Chilli Relleños, taco doradaos, Quesadilla, fajete beef, Beans, rice, tortillas, salsa and Gucamole.<br/>Portion is enough for two people and it doesn't burn a hole in your pocket costing around 47$ NZD.<br/><br/>

The tacos are a must! Unsure about anything else from there and pricing is average for portion size, but have been eating their tacos religiously for a year now, chicken and beef are my favourites.

Kid friendly and very casual vibe make it an easy place to grab a bite with the family. If you like beer, don't come here. I understand the theme, but would it kill them to stock a couple of good local beers? Food is exactly average, not bad and not really good. I find the lighting very dim and dingy, but that's a personal thing. If you're up for large portion, cheap-ish food that's not terrible, but the beer is, then this is your place.

What a fun place to eat. Hidden away down an alley from George Street, not far from the octagon is this massive mexican joint that comes with a dance floor. Here you get to indulge in strawberry margariras and jalapeno poppers. The menu has all your mexican essentials rich in cheese and flavour and the interior artwork is mesmerising. Definitely a place to be on a Friday night.

What a disappointing dinner for 4 we had. Can't understand the number of positive reviews when the bulk of our shared platter tasted old, unseasoned and, apart from the corn, lacked flavour or spice. No chilli dips or sauces on the table to beef things up either. Nachos were OK but for the $100.00 spent, we felt the place offered poor value for money.

Great place. The all in approach to the atmosphere they built is great. Although I did struggle with the lighting as were were in a corner and the only lighting was really from a couple candles...the place felt warm. Food was good with the jalapeno balls being a standout.<br/><br/>

Mmmm the corn chips here a literally to die for. Had such a great experience here, definitely a fun place to have a BYO party with your uni friends. The food portions are HUGE! Highly recommend sharing your main with someone else because theres no way you'll be able to finish it all on your own. The margarita jugs were also delish. Only thing that I could probably comment on is that the place needs a bit more sprucing up as it seems a tad outdated, other than that the food is perfect!

Went for dinner and they were completely booked out. Drinks here are good and worth the money, but food is not that great. Chimichanga was decent but the flavour mostly came from the side sauce and not the filling. Mine wasn't too crispy either. <br/><br/>Place has cool vibes but friends have said that food is really hit and miss.

nice ambiance, good drinks and the food was really good, very impressed and would definitely go back again, tacos were very nice, was a group of eight and we were all impressed, yummy desert too

I'm a big fan of midweek dinners out and was massively looking forward to dinning at Alley Cantina.... however the overall experience wasn't a what I had expect (referring to food and drinks). The place has incredible potential overall, but it's a no for me (for now at least).<br/><br/>DRINKS: i definitely don't recommend coming here for Latino cocktails. They pride themselves on their in-house made mixers, however it's so overpowering, incredibly sour and ridiculously sweet (not in a positive way). They are BYO, so perhaps they know their drinks aren't worthy? <br/><br/>FOOD: they have a great variety of options to cover the stereotypical Mexican dishes which we all crave. BUT.... it just didn't quite meet my already low expectations. I ordered pulled pork nachos and chimichanga. The nachos are in-house made which was wonderful, however pull pork was tasteless.<br/>The best part of the chimichanga was the fried outer tortilla, the filling was so basic and hardly had any meat.<br/><br/>CONCLUSION: <br/>Choice of músic and vibe: 8/10<br/>Drinks: 2/10<br/>Food: 5/10<br/><br/>Overall: Alley Cantina, PLEASE Step up your game and you may have a chance against your competitors... until then, I will probably pay my Mexican squad to cook for me.<br/>

It was a cool night in Dunedin & I was craving Mexican food for that chilli hit ! Was strolling down one of the many streets which branch out from the octagon & noticed this little cantina at the end of a long dark alley. It was like a guiding light at the end of a tunnel & in we went to this bustling den of music & fun. Food was great & so was the chilli. They take their chillies seriously I think they had three different sorts there.

Great atmosphere and deco. Nice service. The vegeterian options were fine and tasty. The poultry and meat however.. Felt a bit reheated in a microwave maybe? Not bad but not unforgeatable.. Stick to drinks and nibbles in a good ambiance.

Along down the well lit alley off George street, a small Mexican themed restaurant hidden away. The decoration and vibe given from this restaurant is definitely edgy and fresh. <br/><br/>It was busy the night we went. Not knowing what to order, we got the platter to share. What came was a large quantity plate of food. Some were delicious but some not so much. Music was loud and we had fun with the props laid around the room. We were even offered a free shot (of something) by the bartender! <br/><br/>Cool place to have a fun night out.

Extremely disappointed! Having lived in the states most of my life I was really craving some good Mexican or TexMex food. I called the restaurant and asked questions and was so excited to go. I ordered enchiladas. Hard to mess them up but they did. Who puts BBQ or whatever sauce it was on enchiladas?  I was not able to eat anything I ordered. It all tasted like some Kiwi invention of what they think Mexican food is. When asked how I was I told the girl it was terrible and I thought she might take it back and give me another option but no, that is something that is only done in the states apparently too. I would love to go in this kitchen and show them how it should be made!! I do make it at home all the time. I just wanted to have a good Mexican meal out. Not possible in New Zealand.

Went here the other night with a group of friends as we had walked past numerous times always commenting on going in some time. I'm glad we did as the food was great. I ordered the vegetarian chimichanga and it was delicious with great authentic Mexican flavours. My original Margherita was nice too however my friend order the melon Margherita and unfortunately couldn't finish it as it was just too sour! The atmosphere is the only thing I would change in this cantina, with it being a bit quiet for my liking, however maybe that may have been different had we dined a little later. We will be back to check :)

Went to Alley Cantina last night for a meal and was very impressed by both the service and the quality of the food! The soft shell tacos were delicious and I would recommend this restaurant to anyone who loves good Mexican food!

We went there at the weekend and had a really great time. We asked the barman what was a good drink and he made us this drink called lagarita??? (not sure) but it was a great drink, margarita with a beer in it, it sound funny but tasted great. I got a burrito and it was great. It was a nice atmosphere, and we didn't even know this place existed.

I have been here three times and the food is amazing and of good price and the service was very good. I felt like I was in Mexico all the times I have came here to eat. I felt the taco dorados were not very filling I should have ordered dessert with it but I didn't realise it was a starter. The burrito bandito and chicken chimichanga was big and filling and very good.

*This is a review on the $13 "large" Tacos Dorados item on the menu.<br/><br/>We went into Alley Cantina with high expectations, only to have them deflated severely upon receiving our "meals". Ordering the Tacos Derados, we imagined something much more in line with how they were described in the menu, however, the harsh reality was that these "tacos derados" appeared to be more like a flimsy portion of spring rolls you would expect to order from the local fish n chip shop. <br/><br/>To be fair, everyone else's meals looked delicious but this only exacerbated the pain we felt when we received our Mexican mini spring rolls.<br/><br/>Once we received our $7's worth corn chips, instead of abading our appetite it only further rubbed salt into our wounds - they weren't that great either. <br/><br/>So if we were to visit again, we'd probably stay clear of the dorados and perhaps order something else on the menu.

Came here for dinner the other night &amp; the food was just amazing! I ordered a chimichunga &amp; it definitely made its way to one of the best I've had. The margaritas are great too! All up, great authentic atmosphere, delicious food &amp; reasonably priced food &amp; drinks! Definitely recommend this spot for anyone craving some good Mexican food or a cheeky margarita or two ;)

Reading the reviews I see that my comments have already been largely addressed by Lisa J. I asked for a spicey sauce (or anything to spice my meal up) and was told it wasn't possible and that the meal came as is. When the waiter brought our entrees she just threw them onto the table in the middle without saying anything and left, so for a while we didn't know whose it was. When the mains arrived, everything tasted like it had been reheated in a microwave. The beans were very dry and a weird grey colour. The cheese and tortia had gone dry and cracked from what I'm guessing again was microwaving. The owner swears that the ingredients are not from store bought packages but the salsa and guacamole were very bland and had a strange consistency for homemade - I think if they are not store bought then you have bigger problems.<br/><br/>The drinks were a HUGE rip-off. The price we paid for a jug of margarita was astounding considering how over-salted and under-flavoured it was.<br/><br/>As for the owner saying that the place is a cantina not a restaurant then get your game plan right. Why are you serving full mains and entrees when cantinas do snacks only? You may not be trying to be a restaurant but you could have fooled me.<br/><br/>Definitely don't waste your money here - even if you like Mexican food. The best option for Mexican in Dunedin is now if Taco Bell opens here.

Second time at the Cantina, and loved it as much as the first time. Had the Alley Platter, a massive meal, great way to taste all they have on offer.<br/>Great staff, really helpful, catered to awkward allergy issues etc.<br/>Amazing atmosphere, music etc, with a real casual/party feel, but just as nice to tuck away in a corner for 2.<br/>Definitely worth every penny!

We regularly eat at the cantina. The staff are friendly and helpful (many of whom speak Spanish and are from or visit Mexico or South America), the food is great, consistent Mexican food. They are completely flexible when it comes to special requests, like making something vegan. The vibe is colourful and authentic, with fantastic music every time. As others have stated, it's not fine dining but it's the best for a relaxed night out, a few margaritas, reasonably priced wine or maybe even a party!

I went with a group for a friends birthday party. The staff were very friendly. I love the stuffed chillies they are so yum and would go there again especially for them. And I had a vege burrito for my main which was real tasty. My friend and I got a jug of sangria between us which made my night.

Totally shocked after going there last night. <br/><br/>Corn chips starter came with guacamole dip and salsa. Chips were really yummy, but the guacamole was from a jar - like that dip you get at the supermarket.<br/><br/>The main was awful. No flavour. I asked for it spicy hot when I ordered, and they told me they couldn't do it and they just came as is. In a Mexican cafe? What? Another person asked for beef and chicken mix and the waiter actually admitted to us everything was pre-made so there are no alterations available.<br/><br/>I had chicken fajitas. The guacamole and salsa were from jars, the beans were from a can, there were 3 microwaved gluggy doughy tortillas on the side, and 5 tiny strips of very dry, over cooked chicken mixed with fried capsicums and celery. There was also a little rice. The sour cream was liquid? That is not what a fajita is in my mind. The whole dish was totally flavourless. None of it was made fresh, and the portions are tiny. I think they buy packaged stuff like you get at the supermarket, pre-make it all and then heat it up for orders.<br/><br/>I was starving so I ate it but otherwise I wouldn't have and I have never said that about a restaurant before. Save your money and make your own. For $16 per person you can make a gourmet Mexican feast better at home

Quite a cool wee dig, I can imagine it would be a fun place to go with friends before a movie with a "jug of margarita"<br/>I went my significant other and ordered the platter for two-a 'sample plate' of all the good stuff.<br/>The stuffed peppers were right royally amazing, Peppery , cheesy, spicy breadcrumbs of joy.<br/>Quesadilla okay...and then the bad news..<br/>Me, I'm quite a light meat eater. Hell, I had a salad for tea last night! But I swear, there was probably about 3Tbsp of meat on the entire plate for two! We had burritos (to make yourself) with one stir fry piece of meat one the plate (yet four burritos!) and the chicken enchilada's...hmmm, best taste equivalent is a marmite crustie.<br/>Tiny servings of guacamole and salsa.<br/>Nice service...but food not up to par possible 6/10

We had no idea this place opened up down the alley to plenty of inside seating, and would be a great venue for cocktails &amp; drinks as well dining out. Helpful and friendly staff. <br/><br/>It was an epic feed! We had the chicken burrito and enchillada &amp; were encouraged to have corn chips while we waited for our mains. Food was VERY reasonably priced (our meals $16 each) and delicious. <br/><br/>It was a great atmosphere - fun music &amp; sombreros all over the walls! It really felt like we were in Mexico! Would definitely eat here again and will be recommending it to friends.